The impact of two key strategic projects in Central Bedfordshire on a nearby mixed development project in the Marston Vale has yet to be fully analysed, local Conservative councillors warn.
Universal Studios has been granted planning permission since the last consultation on O&H Properties Limited’s outline plans for up to 5,000 homes between Bedford and Milton Keynes.
And East West Rail Company began its latest consultation exercise last week, as it set out its latest proposals for the new railway linking Oxford and Cambridge.
Read: 5,000-home Marston Vale scheme edges toward green light after eight years
The O&H Marston Valley proposals also include employment space, schools, retail, leisure, and community facilities, and access routes on 1,448 acres of land between Brogborough, Lidlington, and Marston Moretaine.
In addition to attracting comments from Bedford Borough Council and Milton Keynes Council, 12 parish councils have either objected or raised concerns about the development.
These include Marston Moretaine, Lidlington, Brogborough, Ridgmont, Cranfield, Milbrook, Eversholt, Haynes, Wootton and Houghton Conquest.
The scheme is due to be considered by Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee on Thursday (23 April). Conservative Cranfield and Marston Moretaine councillors Sue Clark and Robert Morris are also opposing the plans.
Traffic modelling
“We still don’t consider that some of the key issues have been addressed by the developer around the impact of traffic generated by the development on the host villages,” they explained in the committee report.
“Traffic modelling for Universal Studios didn’t take account of Marston Valley, and Marston Valley doesn’t consider travel associated with the theme park.
“It’s completely unreasonable for the niceties of the planning system to be used to hide behind by both Universal and National Highways and Marston Valley.
“The practical reality is the strategic and local road infrastructure hasn’t been assessed taking both developments into account.
“The people who live in the Marston Vale and surrounding area will have to endure unassessed road impacts for the combined increased traffic associated with both developments.
“Delivery of the spine road and Cross Vale link are critical to relieving traffic impacts on the host villages. The spine road is proposed to be phased with completion by the 1,900 property, which we consider to be too late.
“This spine road is essential to relieve and mitigate traffic impacts in Lidlington and Marston Moretaine. Without early completion, the predicted traffic impacts will be even worse.
“It would ensure the new communities form good habits early, helping to ease traffic levels on the nearby villages. If the Marston Valley outline application is approved, a mechanism needs to be found to guarantee the improvements to junction 13 of the M1.
“It’s extremely disappointing that, yet again, a comprehensive travel mitigation plan to deal with the traffic impacts of the development on Lidlington and Millbrook villages isn’t proposed. As ward councillors, we’ve asked for this consistently and yet again this is ignored.”
A revised outline planning application stated that the scheme would be built in phases, with each part designed to stand alone if needed, according to a planning statement prepared by town planning and urban design company David Lock Associates.
“The Marston Vale has been recognised over many years for its development potential. Previously characterised by the brickmaking industry, the Vale has been subject to a continuous process of environmental change and regeneration.”
By Euan Duncan
Local Democracy Reporter
